ORIGINAL: Bill Mixon
Mr. Mathewson
Where do you stand on the issue of hovering, 3D flying, and safety code 9?
I love 3D flying, and just a short few years ago I really enjoyed it, but then code 9 came about and basically killed the fun of going to local events. First it was the not being able to touch the model rule which really rubbed me the wrong way. This was one of the most fun parts of 3D flying, being able to hover right up to myself and grab the plane from the air. I was suddenly banned from doing such, and had to make modifications to some planes where they could be landed without touching them.
And most recently the addition to code 9 that banned tail, wingtip, etc from touching the ground.[:@]
When I heard about this I almost took my AMA card and tossed it. And I probably would have if I didn't go to a few events that I must have the card at.
Dave Brown has pretty much made it clear that he isn't for 3D flying at all. So what do you think about it and what are your plans (if any) regarding code 9 if elected?
Bill
Hi Bill,
I'm sure you know that earlier this year rule 9 was revised to eliminate the words "nor should any part of the model other than the landing gear intentionally touch the ground except while landing". I voted in favor of removing those words. I generally favor simple guidelines, like setback guidelines for example, to address safety issues. An example would be the setback guidelines created for RC Combat which seem to work well.
Sometimes when rules are created targeting a specific action the result sometimes has a broad impact. The first part of rule 9 was a result of members touching (and spectators being invited to touch) the tail sections of 40% plus size models hovering in front of them. I can't say I was comfortable with that activity. This activity also played a part in the 25' reference in rule 8. I think 3D flying is a whole lot more than reaching out and grabbing a model out of the air, but I also realize that the level of risk can be different depending on what is being flown. I'm open to suggestions as to how we can address the one without impacting the other.
Dave